Chinese President Meets Equatorial Guinean President

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, November 20, 2001

Chinese President Meets Equatorial Guinean President

Chinese President Jiang Zemin met with visiting President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea at the Great Hall of the People Monday. Both sides recalled the long standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries and reaffirm the determination on further cooperation and supports.

Jiang firstly extended a welcome to Obiang, who has already visited China three times.

China's support appreciated: Obiang

Obiang said that China has been a friend of Equatorial Guinea ever since the independence of the African country.

He expressed his gratitude for China's support in the past as well as for China's setting up of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum for aiding African countries.

Common ground shared by the two countries

He said that Equatorial Guinea shares much common ground with China in dealing with international affairs.

He expressed the hope that his current visit would help expand cooperation with the Chinese side, especially in the fields of trade and economy.

Obiang also extended his congratulations to China for restoring its exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and Macao.

China's reunification expected

He said he hoped that China would realize its reunification as soon as possible.

He added that his country will always support the standpoint of the Chinese government on the reunification issue.

Friendship well established: Jiang

Jiang said that China and Equatorial Guinea have supported and earnestly cooperated with each other since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations 31 years ago.

In recent years, the friendly cooperation between the two countries has shown a new momentum of development, Jiang said.

China is keen to help developing countries, including Equatorial Guinea, to the best of its ability, he said.

The Chinese government has decided to provide Equatorial Guinea with interest-free loans, he revealed.

Further support offered

In accordance with the promise made by China during the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, the Chinese government has decided to exempt Equatorial Guinea from some of its debts owed to China, Jiang said.

He also said that the Chinese side wants to make concerted efforts together with the Equatorial Guinean side in developing a friendship featuring long-term stability as well as equality and mutual benefit.

Principled viewpoints on anti-terror

In addition, Jiang briefed the visitor on China's principled viewpoints on anti-terror and the Afghan issue.

In the meantime, China and Equatorial Guinea have signed three official documents on loan provision, debt exemption and agricultural cooperation.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is a member of the Esangui clan from Mongomo which has held a firm grip on power in Equatorial Guinea since 1968. He attended Zaragoza Military Academy in Spain in 1962-3 as part of a small group of non-commissioned officers sent in an effort to temper dissatisfaction in the African colony.

Between 1968 and 1979 he functioned as the Macias's right hand, occupying at various times the positions of military governor of Bioko, leader of the military, and director of Black Beach Prison in Malabo.

On August 3, 1979, Obiang Nguema led a successful coup d'etat against the Macias government. At his trial, the deposed president failed to reveal the complicity of Nguema Obiang in the reign of terror that had lasted from 1968.

On October 12, 1979, Obiang Nguema declared himself president and established the Supreme Military Council.

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